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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities and portions of central Minnesota, effective 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 through 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metro, Willmar, and Hutchinson.
Fine particles have risen into the Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) category in the Twin Cities metropolitan area this morning due to stagnant weather conditions. Light winds, clear skies, and a strong inversion have resulted in poor dispersion, trapping air pollutants near the ground.
Poor dispersion conditions will continue over the next couple days as this plume of fine particles will slowly transport into central Minnesota. Fine particle levels in the alert area are expected to remain near or above 100 AQI until Thursday afternoon, when a front moves across the state and brings cleaner air into the region.
People whose health is affected by unhealthy air quality: There are people who are more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level.
- People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- People who have heart disease or high blood pressure
- Children and older adultts
- People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors
Health effects: Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider.
Take precautions: Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy.
- Take it easy and listen to your body.
- Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level.
- If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires.
- If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD, make sure you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you.
- People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider if you don’t have an asthma action plan.
Pollution reduction tips: The main sources of fine particle pollution is any activity that uses fuel. Conserving energy and buying clean, renewable energy are great lifestyle choices to help reduce overall pollution.
- Reduce vehicle trips.
- Encourage use of public transport, or carpool, when possible.
- Avoid backyard fires.
For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the Minnesota Air mobile app visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage. You can find additional information about health and indoor and outdoor air quality at Air Quality and Health webpage.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities and portions of central Minnesota, effective 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 11 through 6 p.m. Thursday, December 13.
Levels of fine particles have risen into the unhealthy for sensitive groups range because of light winds, clear skies, and a strong temperature inversion. This has resulted in poor dispersion of air pollutants, trapping them near the ground.
Stay up to date on air quality conditions by visiting the agency's website homepage at www.pca.state.mn.us.
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The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and human health.
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
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